"Breaking the Pain Chain"

During the Breaking the Pain Chain seminar, participants will learn about some of the most common forms of arthritis to help them better understand the chronic pain experienced by those with arthritis or related diseases. The remaining portion of the session will cover the highlights of the new Breaking the Pain Chain Program, currently being piloted by the Great Lakes Region of the Arthritis Foundation. The overview will include an explanation of the pain cycle, the gate control theory and techniques for the management of pain by understanding what interrupts the pain signals. Participants will leave with a basic understanding of how to develop a pain management plan including techniques and tools taught throughout the class.

About the speakers:

Pam Fields

By attending this seminar, participants will be able to:

Pam is the Program Director and Regional Advocacy Director for the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region. Pam has worked for the Arthritis Foundation for the past 16 years, primarily with professional and patient education. Recently, her focus has been more on regional advocacy issues that affect persons with arthritis in OH, KY, WV, MI and PA. She and MaryAnn St. John recently piloted the new Breaking the Pain Chain interactive, 8-hour educational program in Cincinnati. Pam has Masters in Education from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters in Counseling from Xavier University.

MaryAnn St. John

MaryAnn is the Program Manager for the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region. She manages all public education programs for persons with arthritis and related diseases including the Arthritis Foundation (AF) Exercise Program, the AF Tai Chi Program, the AF Aquatic Program and Walk With Ease. MaryAnn supports the program activity in Kentucky and West Virginia and offers telephone support and research for those needing more information on their disease. In her off-time, she has been a fitness instructor for the Lyons YMCA for the past 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Science Health Promotion and Education from the University of Cincinnati and is accredited with the American Council on Exercise.